In my previous life, I was the lowliest illegitimate daughter in the Marquis's household.
My legitimate sister stole my marriage, and my stepmother forced me to drink poison.
As I lay dying, my crown prince fiancé gave me just four words:
“You are not worthy.”
·
Reborn at fifteen, with the selection of consorts just around the corner.
My stepmother smiled and said, “Sister Yuan, marrying the Crown Prince is a blessing earned over several lifetimes.”
I bowed respectfully. “Mother is right.”
Then I turned around, tore up the marriage contract, and threw it into a brazier in front of everyone.
The Crown Prince's face turned livid. “Shen Yuan, have you gone mad?”
Standing beside the Regent, I smiled radiantly.
“Your Highness is right. I truly am not worthy. So...”
“I'll marry your imperial uncle.”
·
Later, on the day of the Crown Prince's wedding, a red carpet stretched down the main street for ten miles.
The Regent took my hand and walked right past the Crown Prince.
The assembled officials knelt across the ground.
The Crown Prince stared at me in my phoenix crown and bridal robes, his eyes bloodshot.
He clenched his fists, his voice hoarse.
“Shen Yuan, you were clearly... supposed to be my secondary consort.”
I glanced back at him and smiled gently.
“Your Highness, you said it yourself: I am not worthy.”
“Now, you are the one who isn't worthy.”
